PH12014502429B1

PH12014502429B1 - Stabilized formulations containing anti-dll4 antibodies

Info

Publication number: PH12014502429B1
Application number: PH12014502429A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Scott Walsh; Daniel Dix
Original assignee: Regeneron Pharma
Priority date: 2012-05-31
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2015-01-12
Also published as: HK1207305A1; CO7151478A2; MX357146B; MA37645A3; JP6144758B2; MX2014014363A; US20130323260A1; TW201400130A; CA2872275A1; WO2013181486A1; SG11201407171XA; NO2887943T3; EA201492186A1; IL235468A0; NZ702288A; BR112014028997A2; CL2014003237A1; JP2015520173A; US9675692B2; CN104349791A

Abstract

The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising an antibody that specifically binds to human delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4). The formulations may contain, in addition to an anti-Dll4 antibody, a phosphate buffer, an organic cosolvent, a disaccharide, and a salt. The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention exhibit a substantial degree of antibody stability after storage for several months and after being subjected to thermal and other physical stress.

Description

STABILIZED FORMULATIONS CONTAINING ANTI-DLL4 ANTIBODIES Tn.

FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic antibody formulations. more specifically, the present invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical formulations comprising an antibody that specifically bind to human delta-like ligand 4 (D114).

SEQUENCE LISTING

An ST.25 compliant computer readable text file of a sequence listing is filed concurrently with the present specification according to 37 C.F.R. § 1.821 (e). The contents of the text file are herein incorporated by reference. A paper copy of the sequence listing, which pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.821 (f) is identical in content to the

ST.25 compliant computer readable text file, is included as part of the present specification and is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The Notch-signaling pathway is a system for cell-to-cell communication used by a wide range of eukaryotes for many biological processes, such as differentiation, proliferation, and hemeostasis. Delta like 4 (DI4) or delta-like ligand 4 (D114) (hereinafter “D114") is a member of the Delta family of Notch ligands which exhibits highly selective expression by vascular endothelium (Shutter et al. (2000) Genes

Develop. 14:1313-1318). Dll4 is a ligand for Notch receptors, including Notch 1 and

Notch 4. The amino acid sequence for human D4 is depicted in SEQ ID NO:9.

Given the important role that the DII4-Notch signaling pathway plays in the regulation of angiogenesis and its implication in human health and medicine, it is desired to develop and deploy DIl4 -based medicaments. One such Dil4-based 75 medicament is a therapeutic antibody specific to DIl4.

J

Methods to produce antibodies useful as human therapeutics include generation of chimeric antibodies and humanized antibodies (see, for example, U.S. 6.949.245).

See. for example. WO 94/02602 (Abgenix) and U.S. 6.596,541 (Regeneron

Pharmaceuticals). describing methods of generating nonhuman transgenic mice capable of producing human antibodies. U.S. Patents No. 7.488.806. 7.534.868, and 7,919,593, and U.S. Patent Application No. U.S. 2011-0150905A1 disclose antibodies to human DI14.

Therapeutic antibodies must be formulated in a manner that not only makes the antibodies suitable for administration to patients, but also in a manner that maintains their stability during storage and subsequent use. For example, therapeutic antibodies in liquid solution are prone to fragmentation, precipitation, aggregation, and undesired chemical modifications unless the solution is formulated properly.

The stability of an antibody in liquid formulation depends not only on the kinds of excipients used in the formulation, but also on the amounts and proportions of the excipients relative to one another. Furthermore, other considerations aside from stability must be taken into account when preparing a liquid antibody formulation.

Examples of such additional considerations include the viscosity of the solution and the concentration of antibody that can be accommodated by a given formulation, and the visual quality or appeal of the formulation. Thus, when formulating a therapeutic antibody, great care must be taken to arrive at a formulation that remains stable, contains an adequate concentration of antibody, and possesses a suitable viscosity as well as other properties which enable the formulation to be conveniently administered to patients.

Antibodies to D114 are one example of a therapeutically relevant macromolecule that requires proper formulation. Although some anti-DI14 antibodies are known, there nonetheless remains a need in the art for novel pharmaceutical formulations comprising anti-D1l4 antibodies that are sufficiently stable and suitable for administration to patients.

SUMMARY

The present invention satisfies the aforementioned need by providing pharmaceutical formulations comprising a human antibody that specifically binds to human delta-like ligand 4 (D114).

In one aspect. a liquid pharmaceutical formulation is provided, comprising: (1) an antibody that specifically binds to DI4; (ii) a buffer; (ili) an organic cosolvent; and (iv) thermal stabilizers.

In one embodiment, the antibody is provided at a concentration from about 20% 3 mg/mL to about 75 + 11.25 mg/mL. In another embodiment, the antibody is provided at a concentration of about 25 mg/mL + 3.75 mg/mL. In another embodiment, the antibody is provided at a concentration of about 50 mg/mL £7.5 mg/mL.

In one embodiment, exemplary anti-DII4 antibodies of the invention comprise

HCDRI1, HCDR2, HCDR3, LCDRI, LCDR2 and LCDR3 domains having the respective amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 2, 3,4, 6,7 and 8 (e.g.

REGN421). In one embodiment, the antibody comprises the CDR sequences contained within an HCVR having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. and an

LCVR having an amino acid of SEQ ID NO:5.

In one embodiment, the pH of the liquid formulation is about pH 5.0 to about pH 6.6:pH 6.00.5, pH 6.0+ 0.4, pH 6.0% 0.3, pH 6.0 0.2, pH 6.00.1, pH 60% 0.05, pH 6.0 + 0.01, or pH 6.0. In a specific embodiment, the pH of the liquid formulation is about pH 6.0 + 0.5. In one embodiment, the buffer has an effective buffering range of about pH 3.8 to about pH 8.0: or about pH 6.0 to about 7.5. In one embodiment, the buffer has a pKa of about 6.0 to about 7.5. In one embodiment, the buffer has a pKa of 6.0. In one embodiment, the buffer has a pKa of 6.4. In one embodiment. the buffer has a pKa of 6.5. In one embodiment. the buffer has a pKa of 7.2.

In one embodiment. the buffer is a phosphate buffer. In one embodiment, the phosphate is at a concentration of 3 mM = 0.75 mM to 30 mM = 7.5 mM. In one embodiment. the phosphate is at a concentration of 3 mM + 0.73 mM or about 3 mM. In one embodiment. the phosphate is at a concentration of 10 mM = 1.2 mM or about 10 mM. In one embodiment. the phosphate is at a concentration of 15 mM

+£2.25 mM ar about 15 mM. Tn one embodiment, the phosphate is ata concentration of 20 mM = 3 mM or about 20 mM. In one embodiment, the phosphate is at a concentration of 25 mM = 3.75 mM or about 25 mM. In one embodiment, the phosphate is at a concentration of 30 mM = 4.5 mM or about 30 mM. In one embodiment. the phosphate is at a concentration of 35 mM = 3.25 mM or about 33 mM. In one embodiment. the phosphate is at a concentration of 40 mM + 6 mM or about 40 nM. In one embodiment, the phosphate is at a concentration of 45 mM + 6.75 mM or about 45 mM. In one embodiment, the phosphate is at a concentration of 50 mM + 7.5 mM or about 50 mM.

In one embodiment, the organic cosolvent is a nonionic polymer containing a polyoxyethylene moiety. In some embodiments, the organic cosolvent is any one or more of polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, poloxamer 188, and polyethylene glycol 3350. In a specific embodiment, the organic cosolvent is polysorbate 20.

In one embodiment, the organic cosolvent is at a concentration of from about 0.005% + 0.00075% to about 1% = 0.15% “weight to volume” or “w/v7, wherein, e.g, 0.1 g/ml = 10% and 0.01 g/ml = 1%. In one embodiment, the organic cosolvent is polysorbate 20, which is at a concentration of 0.2% * 0.03% w/v, or about 0.2% w/v. In another embodiment, the organic cosolvent is polysorbate 20, which is ata concentration of 0.01% + 0.0015% w/v or about 0.01% w/v.

In one embodiment, the stabilizer is a sugar, a salt, an amino acid, or a combination of any one or more thereof. In one embodiment, the sugar is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, glycerol and trehalose; the salt is sodium chloride; and the amino acid is glycine. In one embodiment, the stabilizer comprises a combination of sucrose and sodium chioride.

In one embodiment, the sucrose is at a concentration of from about 5% to about 40%, w/v: and the sodium chloride is from about 50 mM to about 250 mM. Ina specific embodiment. the formulation comprises 10% = 1.5%. about 10%. or 10% sucrose: and 150 mM £ 22.5 mM. about 150 mM. or 150 mM sodium chloride. In another embodiment. the formulation comprises 20% + 3%. about 20%. or 20% sucrose.

In one embodiment. the viscosity of the formulation is about 1 cPoise to about 3

Poise. In one embodiment. the viscosity of the formulation is 1.5 cPoise = 0.25 cPoise. about 1.5 cPaise. or 1.5 cPoise.

In one embodiment. the osmolality of the formulation is ciose to within a physiological range. In one embodiment, the formulation has an osmolality of about 300 milli-Osmoles per kilogram (mOsm) to about 700 mOsm. In one embodiment, the osmolality of the formulation is 630 mOsm + 98 mOsm, about 650 mOsm, or 030 mOsm.

In one embodiment, at least 95% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 24 months of storage at -80°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded, as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 57% of the anti-DI114 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 24 months of storage at -80°C is of the non-basic and non-acidic form (i.e., main peak or main charge form or “region 2 peak”), as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, anti-Dl14 on average maintains from about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after 24 months of storage at -80°C, relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to

IS storage.

In one embodiment, at least 95% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 18 months of storage at -30°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded, as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 57% of the anti-DI14 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 18 months of storage at 230°C is of the main charge form. as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, the anti-

DIl4 antibody maintains on average about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after 18 months of storage at -30°C. relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to storage.

In one embodiment, at least 95% of the anti-DII4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after six months of storage at -20°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded. as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 60% of the anti-DIi4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after six months of storage at -20°C is of the main charge form. as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment. the anti-DII4 antibody maintains on average about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after six months of storage at -20°C. relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to storage.

Tn one embodiment, at least 93% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after six months of storage at 3°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded. as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 61% of the anti-DI14 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after six months of storage at 3°C is of the main charge form, as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, the anti-

DI14 antibody maintains on average about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after six months of storage at 5°C, relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to storage.

In one embodiment, at least 97% of the anti-DI14 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after six months of thermal stress at 25°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded, as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 53% of the anti-DI1l4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after six months of storage at 25°C is of the main charge form, as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, the anti-

DIl4 antibody maintains on average about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after six months of storage at 25°C, relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to storage.

In one embodiment, at least 94% of the anti-DI1l4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 28 days of thermal stress at 45°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded, as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 45% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 28 days of thermal stress at 45°C is of the main charge form, as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, the anti-DII4 antibody maintains on average about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after 28 days of thermal stress at 45°C, relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to application of the thermal stress condition.

In one embodiment. at least 96% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 28 days of thermal stress at 37°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded. as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment. at least 51% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 28 days of thermal stress at 37°C is of the main charge form. as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In onc em bodiment.

the anti-DIl4 antibody maintains on average about 63% to about 135% ofits binding activity after 28 days of thermal stress at 37°C. relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to application of the thermal stress condition.

In one embodiment, at least 97% of the anti-Dii4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 28 days of thermal stress at 25°C is non- aggregated and un-degraded. as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 37% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 28 days of thermal stress at 25°C is of the main charge form, as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, the anti-DIl4 antibody maintains on average about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after 28 days of thermal stress at 25°C, relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to application of the thermal stress condition.

In one embodiment, at least 98% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 120 minutes of agitation stress 1s non- aggregated and un-degraded, as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 59% of the anti-DI14 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after 120 minutes of agitation stress is of the main charge form, as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, the anti-DIl4 maintains on average about 65% to about 135% of its binding activity after 120 minutes of agitation stress, relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to application of the agitation stress condition.

In one embodiment, at least 98% of the anti-DIl4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after eight freeze/thaw cycles is non-aggregated and un-degraded, as determined by size exclusion chromatography. In one embodiment, at least 58% of the anti-Dll4 antibody recovered from the liquid pharmaceutical formulation after eight freeze/thaw cycles is of the main charge form, as determined by ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment. the anti-

DIl4 maintains on average about 63% to about 135% of its binding activity after eight freeze/thaw cycles. relative to the binding activity of the antibody prior to application of the freeze/thaw stress condition.

In one aspect, a liquid pharmaceutical formulation is provided. comprising: (i) from 20 = 3 mg/ml ta 75 = 11.25 mg/ml of a human antibody that specifically binds to human DI: (i) from 3 mM = 0.75 mM to 50 mM = 7.5 mM phosphate: (iii)

from 0.003% = 000075% to 1% = 0.15% (w/v) polysorbate 20: (1v) from 3% + 0.75% to 40% + 6% (w/v) sucrose; and (v) from 50 mM = 7.5 mM to 230 mM = 37.5 mM sodium chloride. at a pH of from about 5.5 to about 6.5. The anti-DIl4 antibody of this aspect comprises a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) and a light chain variable region (LCVR) such that the HCVR / LCVR combination comprises heavy and light chain complementarity determining regions (HCDR -HCDR2-

HCDR3 / LCDR1-LCDR2-LCDR3), which comprise the amino acid sequences of

SEQ ID NOs:2 — 3-4 /SEQ ID NOs:6 — 7 — 8, respectively. Ina particular embodiment, the anti-D114 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) and light chain variable region (LCVR) comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: | and SEQ ID NO: 5, respectively (antibody REGN421 of U.S. Pat.

Nos. 7.488.806, 7.534.868, and 7,919,593, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2011- 0150905).

In one embodiment, the liquid formulation comprises (i) 25 mg/ml + 3.75 mg/ml of antibody REGN421; (ii) 10 + 1.5 mM phosphate: (iii) 0.2% = 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20; (iv) 10% + 1.5% (w/v) sucrose; and (v) 150 mM £ 22.5 mM sodium chloride ata pH of 6.0 + 0.5. In one embodiment, after thermal stress of the formulation at 45° for 28 days. > 94% of the antibody retains its native conformation. > 45% of the antibody is of the main charge form. and > 98% of the antibody retains its binding activity. In another embodiment. after thermal stress of the formulation at 37° for 28 days, > 97% of the antibody is native and = 59% of the antibody is of the main charge form. and about 100% of the antibody retains its binding activity. In one embodiment, after thermal stress of the formulation at 25° for 28 days. = 97% of the antibody is native and = 57% of the antibody is of the main charge form. and about 100% of the antibody retains its binding activity. In one embodiment of this particular formulation, after eight cycles of freezing followed by thawing. > 98% of the antibody is native and > 59% of the antibody is of the main charge form. and about 100% of the antibody retains its binding activity.

In one embodiment of this particular formulation. after 120 minutes o f agitation stress. > 98% of the antibody is native and > 38% of the antibody is of the main charge form. and at least about 98% of the antibody retains its potency.

In one aspect. a liquid pharmaceutical formulation of anv of the preceding aspects is provided ma container. In one embodiment. the container 1s a polvearbonate vial, In another embodiment. the container is a glass vial. which in some embodiments is a type 1 borosilicate glass vial with a fluorocarbon-coated butyl rubber stopper. In vet another embodiment, the container is a bag. such as an intravenous drip (IV) bag. which in some embodiments is made of polyvinyl chloride or polyolefin. In another embodiment. the container is an injection device, such as a microinfuser or a syringe.

In one aspect, a pharmaceutical formulation comprising (a) 25 mg/mL + 3.75 mg/mL of an anti-Ang-2 antibody, (b) 10 mM = 1.5 mM phosphate, pH 6 £ 0.5, (c) 0.2% + 0.03% polysorbate 20, (d) 10% w/v + 1.5% sucrose, and (e) 150 mM £ 22.5 mM sodium chloride is provided, wherein (a) the antibody comprises an HCVD of

SEQ ID NO: 1 and an LCVD of SEQ ID NO: 5, (b) the antibody has a molecular mass of about 146 kDa, about 147 kDa, or about 150 kDa, (c) from about 82% to about 87% of the antibodies contain fucosylated oligosaccharide chains, and (d) the heavy chains of the antibody lack a C-terminal lysine.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation consists of (a) 25 mg/mL * 3.75 mg/mL of an anti-Ang-2 antibody, (b) 10 mM + 1.5 mM phosphate, pH 6 £0.5, (¢) 0.2% + 0.03% polysorbate 20, (d) 10% = 1.5% sucrose, and (e) 150 mM + 22.5 mM sodium chloride is provided, wherein (a) the antibody comprises an HCVD of

SEQ ID NO: 1 and an LCVD of SEQ ID NO: 5, (b) the antibody has a molecular mass of about 146 kDa, about 147 kDa, or about 150 kDa, (c) from about 82% to abont 87% of the antibodies contain fucosylated oligosaccharide chains, and (d) the heavy chains of the antibody lack a C-terminal lysine.

In one aspect, a kit comprising a pharmaceutical composition of any one of the preceding aspects, a container, and instructions is provided. In one embodiment, the container is a prefilled syringe. In one embodiment, the container is a borosilicate vial fitted with a FLUROTEC—coated 4023/50-rubber stopper.

Other embodiments of the present invention will become apparetit from a review of the ensuing detailed description.

DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is described. it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular methods and experimental conditions described. as such methods and conditions mav vary, Jt is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only. and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise. all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used herein. the term “about”, when used in reference to a particular recited numerical value or range of values, means that the value may vary from the recited value by no more than 5%. For example, as used herein, the expression "about 100" includes 95 and 105 and all values in between (e.g., 95.00, 95.01.95.02, 95.03, 95.04, ..., 104.96, 104.97, 104.98, 104.99, 105.00).

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS

As used herein, the expression "pharmaceutical formulation” means a combination of at least one active ingredient (e.g, a small molecule, macromolecule, compound, ete. which is capable of exerting a biological effect in a human or non- human animal), and at least one inactive ingredient which, when combined with the active ingredient or one or more additional inactive ingredients. is suitable for therapeutic administration to a human or non-human animal. The term “formulation”, as used herein, means "pharmaceutical formulation” unless specifically indicated otherwise. The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising at least one therapeutic polypeptide. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the therapeutic polypeptide is an antibody. or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. which binds specifically to human delta-like ligand-4 (D114) protein. More specifically. the present invention includes pharmaceutical formulations that comprise: (i) a human antibody that specifically binds to human D4 (ii) a phophate buffer: (iii) an organic cosolvent that is a non- ionic surfactant: and (iv) a stabilizer that is a carbohydrate or an inorganic salt. or a combination of carbohydrate and inorganic salt. Specific exemplary components and formulations included within the present invention are described in detail below.

ANTIBODIES THAT BIND SPECIFICALLY TO DLLA

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may comprise a human antibody. or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds specifically to human DIl4. As used herein, the term "DII4” means a human delta-like ligand 4. which is a vascular-specific ligand of Notch. The DII4-Notch signaling pathway is generally understood to modulate angiogenesis by blocking blood vessel branching and promoting blood vessel maturation (D114 as a negative regulator of branching; reviewed in Sainsin and Harris, Trends in Molecular Medicine, Vol. 13(9):389-395,

Sen. 2007.) Agents that antagonize the DI14-Notch pathway have been shown to inhibit the rate of tumor growth by “triggering excessive but nonfunctional angiogenesis.” (See Sainsin at 389.) DI4 is upregulated by VEGF and is thought to promote the organized development of functional neo-vessels. An exemplary human DIl4 amino acid sequence is described in SEQ ID NO: 9. Antibodies to human D114 are described in patents no. 7,488,806, 7,534,868, and 7,919,593.

The term "antibody", as used herein, is generally intended to refer to immunoglobulin molecules comprising four polypeptide chains: two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds, as well as multimers thereof (e.g., IgM); however, immunoglobulin molecules consisting of only heavy chains (i.e., lacking light chains) are also encompassed within the definition of the term “antibody”. Each heavy chain comprises a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as HCVR or Vy) and a heavy chain constant region. The heavy chain constant region comprises three domains, CHIL, CH2 and

CH3. Fach light chain comprises a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as

LLCVR or Vy) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constant region 23 comprises one domain (CL1). The Vand Vi regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementary determining regions (CDRs). interspersed with regions that are more conserved. termed framework regions (FR).

Fach Vi;and V, is composed of three CDRs and four FRs. arranged from amino- terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1. CDR. FR2. CDR2. FRA.

CDR3. FR

Unless specifically indicated otherwise. the term “antibody”. as used herein. shal! be understood to encompass complete antibody molecules as well as antigen-

I binding fragments thereof. The term "antigen-binding portion” or "antigen-binding fragment” of an antibody (or simply "antibody portion” or "antibody fragment"), as used herein. refers to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to human DIl4 or an epitope thereof. 3 An "isolated antibody". as used herein, is intended to refer to an antibody that is substantially free of other antibodies having different antigenic specificities (e.g, an isolated antibody that specifically binds human DII4 is substantially free of antibodies that specifically bind antigens other than human D114), with the notable exception of bi-specific (or multi-specific) antibodies that specifically bind DIl4 on the one hand, and another epitope on the other. Moreover, an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material or chemicals.

The term "specifically binds”, or the like, means that an antibody or antigen- binding fragment thereof forms a complex with an antigen that is relatively stable under physiologic conditions. Specific binding can be characterized by a dissociation constant of at least about 1x10 M or greater. Methods for determining whether two molecules specifically bind are well known in the art and include, for example, equilibrium dialysis, surface plasmon resonance, and the like. An isolated antibody that specifically binds human D114 may, however, have cross-reactivity to other antigens, such as DIl4 molecules from other species (orthologs). In the context of the present invention, multispecific (e.g, bispecific) antibodies that bind to human DII4 as well as one or more additional antigens are deemed to "specifically bind" human Dll4.

Exemplary anti-human DIl4 antibodies that may be included in the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention are set forth in U.S. Patents

No. 7.488.806, 7.534.868. 7,919,593, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2011- 0136905.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the anti-human Dli4 antibody is a human IgG 1 comprising a heavy chain variable region of the IGHV 3- 33.01 subtype and a light chain variable region of the IGKV3-11.01 subtype (see

Barbie and Lefranc. The Human Immunoglobulin Kappa Variable (IGKV) Genes and Joining (IGKJ) Segments. Exp. Clin. Immunogenet. 1998: 15:171-183: and

Scaviner. DD. et al. Protein Displays of the Human Immunoglobulin Heavy. Kappa and Lambda Variable and Joining Regions. Exp. Clin. Immunogenet. 1999: 16:234-

240). The germline IGHV2-33 and IGKV2-11 sequences. and the amino acid position assignment numbers presented herein comport with the international

Immunogenetics (MGT) information system. as described in Lefranc. M.-P. el al..

IMGT. the international ImMunoGene Tics information system ®, Nucl. Acids Res. 37.D1006-D1012 (2009).

In some embodiments, the anti-human DI14 antibody comprises one or more amino acid substitutions in one or more framework regions relative to the canonical heavy chain variable region, which is reasonably expected to result in an altered charge distribution across the exposed surface of the antibody, and therefore affect its interaction with the surrounding solvent and excipients. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitution comprises a substitution of serine foralanine, methionine for threonine, and/or glutamic acid for glutamine at IMGT positions 54, 86, and 90, respectively, of IGHV3-33.

In some embodiments, the anti-human D114 antibody comprises one or more amino acid substitutions in one or more CDRs relative to the canonical light chain : variable region, which is reasonably expected to result in an altered charge distribution across the exposed surface of the antibody, and therefore affect its interaction with the solvent environment. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitution comprises the substitution of histidine for glutamine at IMGT position 106 of IGKV3-11.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the anti-human DIl4 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprises a heavy chain complementary determining region (HCDR) 1 of SEQ ID NO: 2, an HCDR2 of SEQ [D NO: 3. and an HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 4. In certain embodiments, the anti- human DIl4 antibody. or antigen-binding fragment thereof. comprises an HCVD of

SEQ ID NO: 1.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention. the anti-human D4. or antigen-binding fragment thereof. comprises a light (kappa) chain complementary determining region (LCDR) 1 of SEQ ID NO: 6. an LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 7. and an LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 8. In certain embodiments. the anti-human DU4 antikody. or antigen-binding fragment thereof. comprises an LCVD of SEQ ID NO:

The non-limiting. exemplary antibody sed in the Examples herein is referred to as REGN421, as in US 7.488.806, US 7.534.868. US 7.919.593. and US 2011- 0150905. This antibody comprises an HCVR/LCVR amino acid sequence pair having SEQ ID NOs: 1/3. and HCDR1-HCDR2-HCDR3 / LCDR 1-LCDR2-LCDR3 domains represented by SEQ ID NOs: 2-3 —~4 / SEQ ID NOs: 6 — 7 — 8.

The amount of antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof. contained within the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may vary depending on the specific properties desired of the formulations, as well as the particular circumstances and purposes for which the formulations are intended to be used. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulations are liquid formulations that may contain 20 mg/mL + 3 mg/mL to 75 mg/mL + 11.25 mg/mL of antibody: 25 + 3.75 mg/mL to 70 & 10.5 mg/mL of antibody; 30 + 4.5 mg/mL to 65 + 9.75 mg/mL of antibody; 35 + 5.25 mg/mL to 60 + 9 mg/mL of antibody; 40 + 6 mg/mL to 55 =* 8.25 mg/mL of antibody; 45 + 6.75 mg/mL to 50 = 7.5 mg/mL of antibody; 25 mg/mL + 3.75 mg/mL; about 25 mg/mL; 25 mg/mL; 50 mg/mL + 7.5 mg/mL; about 50 mg/mL; or 50 mg/mL of an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds specifically to human D114.

EXCIPIENTS AND PH

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention comprise one or more excipients. The term "excipient™, as used herein, means any non-therapeutic agent added to the formulation to provide a desired consistency, viscosity or stabilizing effect.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation of the invention comprises at least one organic cosolvent in a type and in an amount that stabilizes the human DIl4 antibody under conditions of rough handling or agitation, such as. e.g, vortexing. In some embodiments. what is meant by “stabilizes” is the maintenance of at least 95% of the DII4 antibody in its pative state. /.¢., not fragmented or aggregated. of antibody (on a molar basis) over the course of rough handling. such as by vortexing the antibody-organic cosolvent solution for about 60 minutes or about 120 minutes. in certain embodiments, the organic cosoivent is a non-ionic surfactant, such as an alkvi poiviethviene oxide). Specific non-ionic surfactants that can be included in the formulations of the present invention include. e.2., polvsorbates couch as polvsorbate 20. polvsorbate 28. polysorbate 40. polysorbate 60. polysorbate 63. polvsorbate 80. polvsorbate 81. and polysorbate 83: poloxamers such as poloxamer 181. poloxamer 188. poloxamer 407; or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Polysorbate 20 is also known as TWEEN 20. sorbitan monolaurate and polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate. Poloxamer 188 is also known as PLURONIC F68.

The amount of non-ionic surfactant contained within the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may vary depending on the specific properties desired of the formulations, as well as the particular circumstances and purposes for which the formulations are intended. In certain embodiments, the formulations may contain 0.01% + 0.0015% to 1% + 0.15% surfactant. For example, the formulations of the present invention may comprise about 0.0085%: about 0.01%; about 0.02%; about 0.03%: about 0.04%; about 0.05%; about 0.06%; about 0.07%; about 0.08%: about 0.09%: about 0.1%; about 0.11%; about 0.12%; about 0.13%; about 0.14%; about 0.15%: about 0.16%; about 0.17%; about 0.18%; about 0.19%: about 0.20%: about 0.21%; about 0.22%; about 0.23%; about 0.24%; about 0.25%; about 0.3%; abont 0.4%: about 0.5%; about 0.6%; about 0.7%; about 0.8%; about 0.9%; about 1%: about 1.1%; about 1.15%; or about 1.2% polysorbate 20 or poloxamer 188.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may also comprise one or more stabilizers in a type and in an amount that stabilizes the human DII4 antibody under conditions of thermal stress. In some embodiments, what is meant by “stabilizes” is maintaining greater than about 94% of the antibody in a native conformation when the solution containing the antibody and the thermal stabilizer is kept at about 43°C for up to about 28 days. In some embodiments, what is meant by “stabilizes” is maintaining greater than about 96% of the antibody in a native conformation when the solution containing the antibody and the thermal stabilizer is kept at about 37°C for up to about 28 days. As used herein. “native” means the major form of the antibody by size exclusion. which is generally an intact monomer of the antibody,

In certain embodiments. the thermal stabilizer is a sugar or sugar alcohol selected from sucrose. sorbitol, glveerol. trehalose and mannitol. or any combination thereof. the amount of which contained within the formulation can van depending on the specific circumstances and intended purposes for» hich the formulation 1s used. ln certain embodiments. the formulations may contain about 2% te about 40% sugar or sugar alcohol: about 1% to about 20% sugar or sugar alcohol; about 3 % to about 15% sugar or sugar alcohol; about 7.3% to about 12.5% sugar or sugar alcohol: about 10% sugar or sugar alcohol: 10% = 1.3% sugar or sugar alcohol; or

S 10% sugar or sugar alcohol. For example, the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may comprise 4%z+ 0.6%: 5% + 0.75%: 6% + 0.9%; 7% + 1.05%: 8% + 1.2%: 9% + 1.35%: 10% = 1.5%: 11% = 1.65%: 12% + 1.8%; 13% & 1.95%: or about 14% + 2.1% sugar or sugar alcohol (e.g., sucrose, trehalose or mannitol).

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may also comprise a buffer or buffer system, which serves to maintain a stable pH and to help stabilize the human DI}4 antibody. In some embodiments, what is meant by “stabilizes” is wherein at least 94% of the antibody is in its native conformation as determined by size exclusion chromatography when the solution containing the antibody and the buffer is kept at about 45°C for up to about 28 days. By “native” or “native conformation”, what is meant is the antibody fraction that is not aggregated or degraded. This is generally determined by an assay that measures the relative size of the antibody entity, such as a size exclusion chromatographic assay. The non- aggregated and non-fragmented antibody elutes ata fraction that equates to the native antibody, and is generally the main elution fraction. Aggregated antibody elutes at a fraction that indicates a size greater than the native antibody. Fragmented antibody elutes at a fraction that indicates a size less than the native antibody.

In some embodiments, what is meant by “stabilizes” is wherein at least 43% of the antibody is in its main charge form as determined by cation exchange chromatography when the solution containing the antibody and the buffer is kept at about 45°C for up to about 28 days. By “main charge” or “main charge form”. what is meant is the fraction of antibody that elutes from an ion exchange resin in the main peak. which is generally flanked by more “basic” peaks on one side and more “acidic” peaks on the other side.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may have a pH of from about 5.3 to about 6.5. For example. the formulations of the present invention may have a pl] of about 5.5: about 3.6: about 3.7: about 2 8: about 5.0: about 6.0: ahout 6.1: about 6.2: about 6.3: about 6.4: or about 6.5. In some embodiments. the pilis 00x03: 000406020360 0.2: 6.0% 0.1: about 6.0: or 6.0,

In some embodiments, the buffer or buffer system comprises at least one buffer that has a buffering range that overlaps fully or in part the range of pH 55-74. such as. e.g. a buffer having a useful buffering range of pH 4.8 topH 8.8. Inone embodiment. the buffer has a pKa of about 7.21. In certain embodiments. the buffer 3 comprises a phosphate buffer. In certain embodiments. the phosphate is present at a concentration of 5 mM + 0.75 mM to 15 mM + 2.25 mM; 6 mM + 0.9 mM to 14 mM +21 mM; 7mM +£1.05 mM to 13 mM £ 1.95 mM; § mM £ 1.2 mM to 12 mM +18mM: 9mM+ 1.35 mM to 11 mM + 1.65 mM; 10 mM + 1.5 mM; or about 10 mM. In certain embodiments, the buffer system comprises phosphate at 10 mM + 1.5 mM, ata pH of 6.0 £ 0.5.

EXEMPLARY FORMULATIONS

According to one aspect of the present invention, the liquid pharmaceutical formulation has low viscosity (i.e, less than 10 cPoise, or about 1.5 cPoise) and has an osmolality between 600 and 700 mOsm, or about 650 mOsm; and comprises: (i) 23 mg/mL + 3.75 mg/mL, or 50 mg/mL + 7.5 mg/mL of a human antibody that specifically binds to human DIl4 (e.g. REGN421); (ii) a buffer system that buffers at about pH 6.0 + 0.5; (iii) a thermal stabilizer comprising a sugar and a salt, which serves as a; and (iv) an organic cosolvent.

According to one embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises: (i) 20 +3 mg/mL to 60 + 9 mg/mL human IgGl antibody that specifically binds to human

D114 and which comprises a substituted IGHV3-33 type heavy chain variable region and a substituted IGKV3-11 type light chain variable region; (ii) a phosphate buffer, which buffers at pH 6.0 £ 0.5; (iii) sucrose and sodium chloride; and (iv) a non-ionic detergent. such as a polysorbate. 23 According to one embodiment. the pharmaceutical formulation comprises: (i) 25 mg/ml = 3.75 mg/mL human 1gG1 antibody that specifically binds to human Dil. and which comprises an HCDR] of SEQ ID NO: 2. an HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 3. an HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 4. an LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 6. an LCDR2 of SEQ ID

NO: 7. and an LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 8: (ii) 10 mM + 1.5 mM phosphate. pH 6.0 =

A 050i 10% + 1.5% sucrose: (ivy 130 mM = 22 3 mM sodium chloride: and (V) 0.29 = 0.03% polysorbate 20.

According to one embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises: (i) 50 mg/ml + 7.5 mg/mL human 1lgG1 antibody that specifically binds to human DIl4. and which comprises an HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 2. an HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 3. an HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 4, an LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 6. an LCDR2 of SEQ ID

NO: 7.and an LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 8; (ii) 10 mM + 1.3 mM phosphate. pH 6.0 = 0.3: (ili) 10% + 1.3% sucrose; (iv) 150 mM = 22.5 mM sodium chloride; and (v) 0.2% + 0.03% polysorbate 20.

According to one embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises: (i) 25 mg/ml + 3.75 mg/mL human IgG1 antibody that specifically binds to human Dll4, and which comprises a heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 1. and a light chain variable domain of SEQ 1D NO: 5, at a concentration of: (i) 10 mM = 1.5 mM phosphate pH 6.0 + 0.5; (iii) 10% + 1.5% sucrose; (iv) 150 mM = 22.5 mM sodium chloride; and (iv) 0.2% + 0.03% polysorbate 20.

According to one embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises: (i) 50 mg/ml + 7.5 mg/mL human IgG1 antibody that specifically binds to human DI14, and which comprises a heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 5; (ii) 10 mM + 1.5 mM phosphate, pH 6.0 £ 0.5: (iii) 10% + 1.5% sucrose; (iv) 150 mM = 22.5 mM sodium chloride; and (v) 0.2% + 0.03% polysorbate 20.

Additional non-limiting examples of pharmaceutical formulations encompassed by the present invention are set forth elsewhere herein, including the working

Examples presented below.

STABILITY AND VISCOSITY OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL

FORMULATIONS

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention typically exhibit high levels of stability. The term "stable™, as used herein in reference to the pharmaceutical formulations. means that the antibodies within the pharmaceutical formulations retain an acceptable degree of chemical structure or biojogical function after storage under defined conditions. A formulation may be stable even though the antibody contained therein does nat maintain 100% of its chemical structure of biological function after storage for a defined amount of time. Under certam circumstances. maintenance of at least about 90a. 95%. 06%. 97%. 98% ar 99% of an antibodh's structure or function after storage for 2 defined amount of time may be regarded as “stable”.

Stability can be measured. inter alia, by determining the percentage of native antibody that remains in the formulation afer storage for a defined amount of time

Sata defined temperature. The percentage of native antibody can be determined by. inter alia. size exclusion chromatography (e.g.. size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography [SE-HPLC]), such that native means non-aggregated and non-fragmented. An "acceptable degree of stability”. as that phrase is used herein, means that at least 90% of the native form of the antibody can be detected in the formulation after storage for a defined amount of time at a given temperature. In certain embodiments, at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%. 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the native form of the antibody can be detected in the formulation after storage for a defined amount of time at a defined temperature. The defined amount of time after which stability is measured can be at least 14 days, at least 28 days, at least | month, at least 2 months, at least 3 months, at least 4 months. at least 5 months, at least 6 months, at least 7 months, at least 8 months, at least 9 months, at least 10 months, at least 11 months, at least 12 months, at least 18 months, at least 24 months, or more. The defined temperature at which the pharmaceutical formulation may be stored when assessing stability can be any temperature from about -80°C to about 45°C, e.g, storage at about -80°C, about - 30°C, about -20°C. about 0°C, about 4°-8°C, about 35°C. Thermal stress may be applied to the pharmaceutical formulation to assess stability. Thermal stress includes for example holding the formulation for about 14 days or about 28 days at about 25°C, about 35°C, about 37°C. or about 45°C.

For example, a pharmaceutical formulation may be deemed stable if after six months of storage at 5°C, at least 90%. 91%. 92%. 93%. 94%. 95%. 96%. 97%. 082%. 98.5%. 59% or 99.5% of antibody detected by SE-HPLC is native (i.e. inthe native peak fraction). A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after six months of storage at 23°C at least 97%. 97.5%. 98%. 98.5%. 99% or 99.5% of antibody detected by SE-HPLC is native. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after 28 days of storage at 37°C. at least 96%. 96.5%. 97%. 97.59, 98%. 98.3%. 99% or 99.5% of antibody detected by SE-HPLC is native. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after 28 days of storage at

45°C at least 949%, 93%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% of antibody detected by SE-HPLC

Is native. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after six months of storage at -20°C at least 98.5%. 99% or 99.3% of antibody detected by

SE-HPLC is native. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if 3 after 18 months of storage at -30°C at least 99% or 99.5% of antibody detected by

SE-HPLC is native. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after six months of storage at -80°C at least 99% or 99.5% of antibody detected by

SE-HPLC is native.

Stability can be measured, mer alia, by determining the percentage of antibody that migrates in the main fraction of antibody (“main charge form”) during ion exchange, relative to the total combined peak area, wherein stability is proportional to the fraction of antibody in the main charge form. While not wishing to be bound by theory, deamidation of the antibody may cause the antibody to become more negatively charged and thus more acidic relative to the non-deamidated antibody (see, e.g, Robinson, N., Protein Deamidation, PNAS, April 16,2002, 99(8):5283- 5288). An "acceptable degree of stability”, as that phrase is used herein, means that at least 53% of the antibody is in a main charge form detected in the formulation after storage for a defined amount of time at a defined temperature. In certain embodiments an acceptable degree of stability means that at least about 53%. 54%, 200 55%. 56%. 57%, 58%, 59%. 60%, 61%, 62%. 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the antibody can be detected in a main charge form after storage for a defined amount of time at a given temperature, or under thermal. freeze/thaw, or agitation stress. The defined amount of time after which stability is measured can be at least 2 weeks, at least 28 days. at least 1 month, at least 2 months, at least 3 25 months, at least 4 months, at least 3 months, at least 6 months. at ieast 7 months, at least 8 months, at least 9 months. at least 10 months, at least 11 months, at least 12 months. at least 18 months. at least 24 months. or more. The temperature at which the pharmaceutical formulation may be stored when assessing stability can be any temperature from about -80°C to about 45°C. e.g. storage at about -80°C. about - 30 30°C. about -20°C. about 0°C. about 4°-8°C. about 5°C. about 25°C. about 37°C. or about 43°C. For example. a pharmaceutical formulation may be deemed stable if after three months of storage at -80°C. -30°C. or -20°C no less than about 37%. 38%. 59%. 60%. or 61% of the antibody is in a main charge form. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after six months of storage at 2eC. no less than about 59%. 59.1%. 59.2%, 39.3%. 39.4%. 59.5%. 39.6%. 39.7%. 59.8%. 59.9%, 60%. 60.1%. 60.2%. 60.3%. 60.4%. 60.5%. 60.6%, 60.7%. 60.8%. 60.9%. 61%. or 61.1% of the antibody is in a main charge form. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after six months of storage at 25°C. no less than about 53% of the antibody is in a main charge form. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after 28 days of storage at 37°C, no less than about 50%, 50.5%, 51%, or 51.5% of the antibody is in a main charge form. A pharmaceutical formulation may also be deemed stable if after 28 days of storage at 45°C, no less than about 45%, 45.1%, 45.2%, 45.3%, 45.4%, 45.5%, 45.6%, 45.7%, 45.8%, 45.9%, or 50% of the antibody can be detected in a main charge form.

Measuring the binding affinity of the antibody to its target may also be used to assess stability. For example, a formulation of the present invention may be regarded as stable if, after storage at e.g., -80°C, 230°C, -20°C, 5°C, 25°C, 37°C, 45°C, etc. for a defined amount of time (e.g., 14 days to 24 months), the anti-Di14 antibody contained within the formulation maintains at least 50% and up to about 150% of the potency, as measured as binding affinity, of the antibody prior to said storage. Binding affinity may be determined by e.g., ELISA or plasmon resonance.

Biological activity may be determined by a Dll4 activity assay. such as e.g, by . 20 contacting a cell that expresses D114 with the formulation comprising the anti D114 antibody. The binding of the antibody to such a cell may be measured directly, such © as via FACS analysis. Alternatively, the downstream activity of the DI14/Notch signalling pathway may be measured in the presence of the antibody, and compared to the activity of the DIl4/Notch signaling pathway in the absence of antibody. In some embodiments. the D114 may be endogenous to the cell. In other embodiments, the DI may be ectopically (heterologously) expressed in the cell.

Additional methods for assessing the stability of an antibody in formulation are demonstrated in the Examples presented below,

CONTAINERS AND METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may be contained within any container suitable for storage or administration of medicines and other therapeutic compositions. For example. the pharmaceutical formulations may be conained within a sealed and sterilized plastic or glass container having a defined volume such as a vial, ampule, syringe. cartridge. bottle, or IV bag. Different types of vials can be used to contain the formulations of the present invention including. e.g. clear and opaque (e.g., amber) glass or plastic vials. Likewise. any type of syringe can be used to contain or administer the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention may be contained within "normal tungsten" syringes or "low tungsten” syringes. As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the process of making glass syringes generally involves the use of a hot tungsten rod which functions to pierce the glass thereby creating a hole from which liquids can be drawn and expelled from the syringe. This process results in the deposition of trace amounts of tungsten on the interior surface of the syringe. Subsequent washing and other processing steps can be used to reduce the amount of tungsten in the syringe. As used herein, the term "normal tungsten" means that the syringe contains greater than or equal to 500 parts per billion (ppb) of tungsten. The term "low tungsten" means that the syringe contains less than 500 ppb of tungsten. For example, a low tungsten syringe, according to the present invention, can contain less than about 490, 480, 470, 460, 450, 440, 430, 420, 410, 390, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 90. 80, 70, 60. 50. 40. 30,20, 10 or fewer ppb of tungsten.

The rubber plungers used in syringes, and the rubber stoppers used to close the openings of vials, may be coated to prevent contamination of the medicinal contents of the syringe or vial, or to preserve their stability. Thus, pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention, according to certain embodiments, may be contained within a syringe that comprises a coated plunger, or within a vial that is sealed with a coated rubber stopper. For example, the plunger or stopper may be coated with a fluorocarbon film. Examples of coated stoppers or plungers suitable for use with vials and syringes containing the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention are mentioned in. e.¢., U.S. Patent Nos. 4.997.423: 5.908.686: 6.286.699: 6.645.635: and 7.226.554. Particular exemplary coated rubber stoppers and plungers that can be used in the context of the present invention are commercially avatlable under the tradename “FluroTec® 7. available from Wesl

Pharmaceutical Services. inc. (Lionville. PA). FluroTec® is an example of a flurccarbon coating used to minimize or prevent drug product from adhering to the rubber surfaces,

According to certain embodiments of the present invention. the pharmaceutical formulations may be contained within a Jow tungsten syringe that comprises a fluorocarbon-coated plunger.

The pharmaceutical formulations can be administered to a patient by parenteral routes such as injection (e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal. etc.) or percutaneous, mucosal, nasal, pulmonary or oral administration. Numerous reusable pen or autoinjector delivery devices can be used to subcutaneously deliver the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention.

Examples include, but are not limited to AUTOPEN™ (Owen Mumford, Inc,

Woodstock, UK), DISETRONIC™ pen (Disetronic Medical Systems, Bergdorf,

Switzerland), HUMALOG MIX 75/25™ pen, HUMALOG™ pen, HUMALIN 70/30™ pen (Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN), NOVOPEN™ |, IT and I1l (Novo

Nordisk, Copenhagen, Denmark), NOVOPEN JUNJOR™ (Novo Nordisk,

Copenhagen, Denmark), BD™ pen (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ),

OPTIPEN™, OPTIPEN PRO™, OPTIPEN STARLET™, and OPTICLIK™ (sanofi-aventis, Frankfurt, Germany). Examples of disposable pen or autoinjector delivery devices having applications in subcutaneous delivery of a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to the

SOLOSTAR™ pen (sanofi-aventis), the FLEXPENT (Novo Nordisk), and the

KWIKPENT™ (Eli Lilly), the SURECLICK™ Autoinjector (Amgen. Thousand

Oaks, CA), the PENLET™ (Haselmeier, Stuttgart, Germany), the EPIPEN (Dey.

L.P.), and the HUMIRA™ Pen (Abbott Labs, Abbott Park, IL).

The use of a microinfusor to deliver the pharmaceutical formulations ofthe present invention is also contemplated herein. As used herein. the term "microinfusor” means a subcutaneous delivery device designed to slowly administer

Jarge volumes (e.g. up to about 2.5 mL or more) of a therapeutic formulation over a prolonged period of time (e.g.. about 10. 15. 20. 25, 30 or more minutes). See, e.g.

US. 6.629.949: US 6,639,982; and Meehan or al...J. Controlled Release 46: 107-116 (1996). Microinfusors are particularly useful for the delivery of large doses of therapeutic proteins contained within high concentration (e.g. about 100. 125. 130. 175.200 or more mg/ml.) or viscous solutions.

In one embodiment. the pharmaceutical formulation is administered via an IV drip. such that the formulation is diluted in an IV bag containing a physiologically acceptable solution. In one embodiment. the pharmaceutical composition is a compounded sterile preparation in an intravenous infusion bag. such that a single dose of drug product is diluted into 100 mL, 250 mL (or other like amount suitable for intravenous drip delivery) of a physiological buffer (e.g.. 0.9% saline). In some embodiments. the infusion bag is made of a polyvinyl chloride (e.g. VIAFLEX,

Baxter, Deerfield, Illinois). In some embodiments, the infusion bag is made of a polyolefin (EXCEL IV Bags, Braun Medical Inc., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania).

THERAPEUTIC USES OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention are useful, infer alia, for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of any disease or disorder associated with D114 activity, including diseases or disorders mediated by DIl4 or the Notch signaling pathway. Exemplary, non-limiting diseases and disorders that can be treated or prevented by the administration of the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention include various diseases involving angiogenesis, which is the biological process whereby new blood vessels are formed. Aberrant angiogenesis is associated with several disease conditions including, e.g., proliferative retinopathies, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. In addition, it is well established that angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth and maintenance.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are presented so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the methods and compositions of the invention. and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g. amounts, temperature. cte.) but some experimental errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise. parts are parts by mole. molecular weight is average molecular weight. percent concentration (%) means the mass of the solute in grams divided by the 10 volume of the solution in milliliters times 100% (¢.g.. 10% sucrose means 0.1 gram of sucrose per milliliter of solution). temperature is in degrees Centigrade. and pressure Is at or near atmospheric pressure.

Initial formulation development activities involved screening organic cosolvents. thermal stabilizers, and buffers in liquid and lyophilized formulations of anti-DIl+ antibodies to identify excipients that are compatible with the protein and enhance its stability. while maintaining near physiologic osmolality and low viscosity for . intravenous and subcutaneous injection. Buffer conditions were also examined to determine the optimal pH for maximum protein stability.

EXAMPLE 1: EXEMPLARY ANTI-DLL4 FORMULATION

Formulation development activities included the screening of buffers, organic cosolvents. and thermal stabilizers in liquid formulations of the anti-Dll4 antibody to identify excipients that enhance the stability of the protein. Buffer conditions were also examined to determine the optimal pH for maximum protein stability. Results generated from these studies were used to develop a stable, liquid formulation suitable for clinical use. Anti-DIl4 (e.g, REGN421) was formulated at 25 = 3.75 mg/ml or 50 + 7.5 mg/ml. In one embodiment, the anti-D114 antibody is formulated in 10 + 1.5 mM phosphate (pH 6.0 = 0.5), 0.2% = 0.03% polysorbate 20, 10% + 1.5% sucrose, and 150 mM + 22.5 mM sodium chloride. The phosphate buffer, which is a combination of monobasic phosphate and dibasic phosphate, was selected for its buffering capacity at the optimal pH for anti-D114 stability and low rate of aggregation. Anti-DII4 antibody REGN421 was observed to have optimum stability and the lowest rate of aggregation and formation of charge variants at pH 6.0.

Polysorbate 20 was selected as the agitation stabilizing agent, which reduced the rate of aggregation and precipitation when the antibody was agitated and otherwise handled. Sucrose. which was observed to reduce the rate of aggregation of the antibody in solution, was selected as a component of the thermal stabilizing agent.

Sodium chioride. which was observed to reduce the formation of charged species of the antibody in solution. was selected as another component of the thermal stabilizing agent.

eee

EXAMPLE 2: STRESS STABILITY STUDY METHODOLOGY

Optical density (405 nm) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) were used in development studies to assess the physical stability of the formulated anti-DI14 antibody. Physical stability is defined as the recovery of soluble forms of the antibody in solution. Loss of antibody could be due to either precipitation or adsorption. The presence of particulates can be detected by visual inspection or by optical density (OD) measurements at 405 nm (turbidity measurements), where an increase in OD indicates an increase in turbidity due to the formation of particulates. The presence of particulates as determined visually or by OD measurements indicates that the sample has failed to maintain stability. Recovery of anti-DIi4 antibody was measured either by RP-HPLC and by

UV spectrophotometry at 280 nm. The concentration of each test sample is determined from the area of the eluted antibody peak compared to a standard curve generated using antibody of defined concentration.

Size exclusion-HPLC (SE-HPLC) was used to assess the purity of the anti-DI1l4 antibody and to provide a measure of the relative amounts of antibody aggregates, fragments and impurities that differ in molecular size from the subject anti-D114 antibody. Purified anti-D1l4 antibody generally eluted as a small aggregate peak and a large native dimer peak followed by a small low molecular weight peak. This method employed a high-resolution silica-based size exclusion column and a phosphate — sodium chloride buffer. Absorbance at 215 nm was recorded and integrated for purity determination. The purity specification for the anti-Dil4 antibody by SE-HPLC required that the area of the main peak was > 90.0% of the total peak area. The percentages of the total peak area for the high and low molecular weight peaks areas are reported in the Tables.

Antibody charge variants were analyzed by cation exchange chromatography using a weak cation exchange column from Dionex (PROPACE WCX-10. 4 x 250 mm) over a shallow salt gradient in phosphate buffer at pH 6.0 (40 mM to 120 mM

NaCl over 44 minutes at ImL/ min). Absorbance at 215 nm was recorded and integrated ta assess charge heterogeneity. Chromatograms of anti-DIi4 antibody were integrated by dividing the peaks into three major charge groups: acidic. mam and basic. The group of peaks that eluted first have been designated as the acidic species (this was determined by analyzing material exposed to high pH and temperature). The major peak in the chromatogram has been designated as the main peak. main charge form. or major charge variant. The final group of peaks was reported as the basic species. The designation was made based on the extended column retention most likely due to the high level of positive charge. The peak pattern of the antibody test sample was compared to the peak pattern of the reference standard and percent peak areas of the acidic, main and basic species were reported.

The activity or potency of the anti-DIl4 antibody was assessed using a binding assay. The ability of that antibody to block the binding of biotinylated-hDli4-hFc to

Notch] was measured using a specific and sensitive ELISA. The ELISA measured unbound biotinylated hDIl4-hFc in a solution composed of a mixture of biotin- hDIl4-hFc and anti-DI114 antibody. The mixtures were added to microtiter plates coated with human Notchl. A fixed amount of biotin-hDll4-hFc was titrated with various amounts of antibody; and the antibody:biotin hDLL4 hFc complex was washed off. The amount of biotin-hDII4-hFc remaining bound to the plate was detected using Streptavidin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The analyzed samples were compared to a reference standard to determine relative potency. HRP colorimetric substrates were used for detection and OD450 nm was measured. The OD450 nm values were plotted against the concentrations of antibody in the solutions and an ICs, was determined using non-linear regression analysis. The ICs, was defined as the antibody concentration required to block 50% of the maximal binding of biotin-hDLL4-hFc to hNotch1-hFe coated plates. and these values reflect the blocking potency of the antibody against hDLL4. The potency was determined by comparison to a reference standard sample run on the same plate and expressed as a percent of the reference standard ICsq value.

EXAMPLE 3: BUFFER AND PH

The effect of pH and butter on the stability of anti-DII4 was considered.

REGN421 antibody (“REGN4217) was the most stable when formulated with either a 10 mM phosphate buffer or a 10 mM histidine buffer. Phosphate was chosen as the bufler for formulation due to concerns over the potential risk of histidine oxidation during storage in a liquid state. The misture of monobasic phosphate and dibasic phosphate results in a pH of 6.0 when all excipients are added together with the REGN421 antibody.

Analysis of buffered REGN421 incubated at elevated temperatures revealed that the main protein degradation pathways were the formation of aggregates. cleavage

S products. and charge variants. Therefore. to assess the effect of pH and buffer on

REGN42] stability, REGN421 test samples were incubated at 45°C in various buffers at pH values ranging from 5.0 to 8.0 to identify conditions that increase the thermal stability of the protein (Table 1). REGN421 had maximum stability, as determined by both SE-HPLC and Cation Exchange- High Performance Liquid

Chromatography (CEX-HPLC) analysis, when the protein was formulated at pH 6.0.

Formulating REGN421 in phosphate or histidine buffer at pH 6.0 resulted in greater protein stability compared to formulating at pH 6.0 in succinate or citrate buffer.

Phosphate was chosen for the REGN421 formulation because of concerns over the potential risk of histidine oxidation during long term storage in a liquid state.

For the results shown in Table 1, 0.3 mL of 25 mg/mL REGN421 in 10 mM test buffer containing 0.2% polysorbate 20 in a 2 mL Type 1 borosilicate glass vial with a FluroTec® coated 4432/50 butyl rubber stopper were tested for 28 days at 45.

Turbidity was reported as the change in ODaos relative compared to starting material.

Starting material results represent the average results of the starting material for all 14 formulations. OD = Optical density; RP-HPLC = Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography: SE-HPLC = Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography: CEX-HPLC = cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography.

Table 1: Effect of Buffer and pH on the Stability of REGN421 Incubated at 45°C for 28 Days

HPLC) ee

Starting | Pass | 0.00 | joo | 976 | 83

I Marenal® no dic | ; - incubation) | ! | Bs :

RSA I IE —

. ry ge YN 1 Ca i

CopHT7S. | Fal | 012 | 104 01 | 146

Phosphate | I pH 7.0, Fail Lo 0.03 | 104 83.4 | 24.9

Phosphate

PHOS, Pass 100 93.1 35.3

Phosphate pH 6.0, Pass 0.00 | 104 93.9 383

Phosphate pH 6.0. Pass | 000 | 103 94.4 | 41.6

Histidine . pH6.0, Pass 0.01 102 92.3 40.7

Succinate pH 6.0, | Pass 0.01 99 92.4 36.7

Citrate pH 5.5. Fail 001 | 105 91.1 34.6 1H) | i

Citae | Cl Co pHS.0. | Tail 0.02 | 103 | 867 269

Citrate pH 5.0. Pass 0.01 107 923 | 346

Acette

EXAMPLE 4: SELECTION OF PROTECTANTS AGAINST AGITATION

STRESS

0.2% polyvsorbate 20 was chosen as the organic cosolvent because it stabilized

REGN421 when agitated in the liquid state. Studies that were initially performed to 3 monitor the stability of REGN421 following agitation in the absence of organic cosolvents vielded varying results. Analysis of agitated REGN421 via SE-HPLC demonstrated an increase in aggregation of the antibody in one particular study. but no significant increase in aggregation was observed in the majority of other agitation studies performed on REGN421. Results from two representative stability studies iG are shown in Table 2. The conservative approach of adding polysorbate 20 to the

REGNA2T formulation was nonetheless taken to prevent potential agitation dependent protein instability that may occur during the manufacture. shipping, and handling of REGN421, Polysorbate 20 was chosen over other organic cosolvents because it did not change the thermal stability of REGN421.

For the antibody stability results shown in Table 2, 0.3 mL of 25 mg/mL

REGN421, in 10 mM phosphate, pH 6.0 ina 2 mL Type 1 borosilicate glass vial with a FluroTec® coated 4432/50 butyl rubber stopper was combined with the organic cosolvents and subjected to 120 minutes of vortexing. Turbidity was reported as the change in ODygs relative compared to starting material. Starting material results represent the average results of the starting material for all nine formulations. OD = Optical density; RP-HPLC = Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography; SE-HPLC = Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography.

Table 2: Effect of Organic Cosolvents on Antibody Stability — Agiation © Organic Suess Visual %7Total %Native % REGN42]

Cosolvent Appearance REGN42] REGN42] Aggregate

Recovered Recovered Recovered (RP-HPLC) (SE-HPLC) (SE-HPLC}

Starting None Pass 100 96.6 [I

Material*

No Cosolvent Vortex Pass 101 94.9 3.0 120min

Starting None Pass 100 97.8 0.7

Material*

No Cosolvent Vortex Pass 101 97.4 0.9 120min 0.2% Vortex Pass 99 98.0 0.7

Polysorbate 20 120min 0.2% Vortex Pass 100 97.9 0.8

Polysorbate 80 120min 0.2% PEG 3350 Vortex Pass 101 98.0 0.7 120min

EXAMPLE 5: SELECTION OF PROTECTANTS AGAINST THERMAL STRESS

Stabilizers such as sugars, amino acids, and inorganic salts were examined for their ability to increase the thermal stability of REGN421. A summary of the thermal stabilizers that were examined is presented in Table 3. Formulations containing sucrose and trehalose showed the least amount of REGN421 aggregate formation as determined by SE-HPLC analysis. The addition of sodium chloride to the formulation was shown to decrease the formation of charge variants (CEX-

HPLC) but resulted in an increased amount of aggregate formation (SE-HPLC). A subsequent study was conducted to examine the thermal stability of REGN42] following formulation with a combination of 10% sucrose and 150 mM sodium chloride (NaCl). The goal of this study was to reduce NaCl-induced aggregation by including sucrose in the formulation, thereby maintaining the protective effects of

NaCl on charge variant formation within the formulation. The sucrose concentration wes modulated from 20% (no NaCl) to 10% (with NaCl) to control the osmolality of the formulation. The thermal stabilitv of REGNA2 1 in this formulation as determined by CEX-HPLC analysis (formation of charge variants) was similar to .

Al

EE results using NaCl as a single stabilizing agent (Table 2). demonstrating the protective effect of NaCl on charge variant formation. Furthermore. the rate of aggregate formation was significantly decreased compared to the formulation using

NaCl as a single stabilizing agent, demonstrating the stabilizing effects of sucrose on the formulation. Based on these results. REGN421 was formulated with 10% sucrose and 150 mM NaCl.

For the antibody stability results shown in Table 3, 0.3 mL of 10 mM phosphate, pH 6.0. 0.2% Polysorbate 20, and 25 mg/mL REGN421, plus the indicated thermal stabilizer, in a 2 mL Type 1 borosilicate glass vial with a FluroTec® coated 4432/50 butyl rubber stopper were subjected to 45°C for 28 days. Turbidity was reported as the change in ODyys relative compared to starting material. Starting material results represent the average results of the starting material for all ten formulations not incubated at 45°C. OD = Optical density; RP = Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography; SE = Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography; CEX = cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography.

Table 3: Effect of Thermal Stabilizers on the Stability

Codd ed

RP- | (SE. | Recover (CEX- i | | HPLC) | Hee) | d | HPLC) . (SE-

HPLC)

Starting Pass 100 97.7 1.0 58.4

Material* (no 45°C incubation _ )

No | Fail | 000 100 94.0 20 | 410

Thermal

Stabilizer 150 mM Pass | 0.01 100 91.4 4.4 44.7

NaCl 150 mM Pass 0.00 100 94.0 2.1 45.4

NaCl

CH0%

Sucrose 20% Pass 0.00 | 98 | 945 | 12 408

Swrose | | lp 2% | Pass [004 99 | 929 | 26 260

Sorbitol i 10% Pass | 0.00 99 93.8 2.0 L395

Mannitol — BN 20% Pass 0.00 99 94.7 1.2 402

Trehalose : 5% Pass 002 | 100 | 834 | 109 | NP

Glyeeral | | I oo

Cae Ural oe | too | 90.1 | 87 427

Arginine

SU OS —— TTT TTT 3% | Pass | 001 | 106 | 9LI 50 0 319

Ghyeine

EXAMPLE 6: STRESS STABILITY STUDIES OR REGN421 FORMULATION

Accelerated stress studies were performed by holding REGN42T at 25°C for 6 months. At this accelerated condition. a shift in the charge variant profile toward more acidic species was observed by cation exchange chromatography (CEX- 5S HPLC). A 2% to 3% decrease in purity was observed by SDS PAGE after six months of storage, along with a 1.6% reduction in purity and a 1.2% increase in high molecular weight aggregate formation detected by SE-HPLC. There was no loss of potency of REGN421 as determined by binding assay after six months of storage at 25°C.

Additional accelerated and stress stability studies performed on REGN421 antibody indicate that the protein is physically stable when vortexed for 60 minutes or 120 minutes, frozen and thawed from -80°C to ambient temperature for eight cycles, incubated at 45°C for 28 days, incubated at 37°C for 28 days, or incubated at 25°C for 28 days (Table 4). During these studies, the solution remained visibly clear. no loss of protein was observed, and no change in pH occurred after these stresses. However, a decrease in the purity of REGN421 was detected by size exclusion HPLC and cation exchange HPLC when the protein was incubated at >25°C for 28 days, indicating that changes in molecular weight and charge variants occur when REGN421 is exposed to stress conditions. A smaller level of chemical degradation was detected when the protein was incubated at 37°C compared to incubation at 45°C. REGN421 was physically and chemically stable over the 14 day assessment period at 25°C and after agitation and freeze/thaw cycles. No significant loss of potency, as determined using the DI114/Notch binding assay, was observed for any of the stressed samples.

Table 4: Stress Stability of 25 mg/mL Anti-DII4 Antibody

Stress Test . No tation ) 45°C oo 37°C 25°C Freeze!

Stress = Incubation Incubation Incubation Thaw

Length of 0 60 120 14 28 14 28 14 28 8

Stress min min min days days days days days days cycles

Visual Lo » BN ~

Appearance Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass

Stress Test No LL 45°C 37°C 25°C Freeze

Stress Agitation [ncubation Incubation Incubation Thaw

Turbidity (OD 403 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 000 000 000 000 001 0.00 nm) pH 5.9 59 59 60 60 60 60 60 00 6.0 % Total

REGN421 100 99 96 96 100 98 100 97 101 99

Recovered (RP-HPLC % Native

REGN421 98.0 979 98.0 958 94.0 969 960 979 97.7 98.0

Recovered (SE-HPLC) % Native

REGN42] N .

Recovered 58.4 58.7 59.4 3522 454 555 S515 593 57.7 58. (CEX-

HPLC)

Binding

ASS gg Np 94 NP 88 NP 101 NP 94 88 (% Relative

Potency) ooe—--.

For the antibody stability results shown in Table 4, 0.3 mL of 10 mM Histidine. pH 6.0. 0.2% Polysorbate 20, 10% Sucrose, 150 mM NaCl, and 25 mg/mL

HIHG685P, in a 2 mL Type 1 borosilicate glass vial with a FluroTec® coated 4432/50 butyl rubber stopper was combined with the organic cosolvents and subjected to the various designated stresses. Turbidity was reported as the relative change in OD at 405 nm as compared to the starting material. The acceptance criteria for the binding assay was 50-150% of reference standard. OD = Optical density: RP = Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography: SE = Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography: CEX = cation exchange high performance liguid chromatography. [FWAMPLE 7: STORAGE STABILITY OF FORMULATED ANTI-DLLA

ANTIBODY

No significant loss of REGN4ZT was observed by UV spectraphotometyy. or as determined by SDS-PAGE. after 24 months of storage at -80°C. 30°C. or 220°C A

0.89% decrease in purity and a 0.4% increase in aggregate formation were detected by SE-HPLC after storage at 5°C for 24 months. There was no significant change in charge variants as detected by CEX HPLC after 24 months of storage at the tested conditions. There was no change in potency as determined by binding assay at the end of the storage period. REGN421 continued to meet the acceptance criteria for all the analyses after 24 months of storage at 5°C. See Table 3.

Table 5: Stability of 25 mg/mL REGN421 (10 mM phosphate, pH 6.0, 0.2% polysorbate 20, 10% sucrose, and 150 mM NaCl)

Temperature/duration mo. mo. mo.

I neni |" [7

Recovered (RP-HPLC)

Purity by Size-

Exclusion-HPLC 99.4 98.8 98.3 | 97.7 % main peak purity % HMW species 0.4 0.3 NA NA

Charged Variant we we bw

Analysis by CE-HPLC | 1g 18 NA NA ovens a % region 2 (main) % region 3 (basic) 25 25 | NA | NA

Binding Assay (% Ref. | 100 99 | 953 NP

So _

EXAMPLE 8: COMPATIBILITY WITH IV DELIVERY DEVICE

The 25 mg/mL REGN421 formulation was diluted in an intravenous (1V) bag composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) containing normal saline. Three different doses of REGN421 were examined in this study including a low dose (0.1 mg/kg and 40 kg patient). a middle dose (4 mg'ke (3 and 40 kg patient). and a high dose (16 mg'kg and 120 kg patient). Tor the low dose.

additional “placebo” was added to the bag to help stabilize the REGN421 against agitation.

The IV bags containing diluted REGN421 were first held for 24 hours at 5°C and then held for and additional 24 hours at 25°C. After these incubations were complete, the IV bags were connected to infusion sets, primed with the diluted antibody, and held for one hour at ambient temperature. Diluted antibody was pumped through the infusion sets at rates ranging from 25 mL/hr to 500 mL/hr.

Three infusion pumps and three infusion sets representing the major suppliers (Alaris, Baxter, and Hospira) were utilized in this investigation. These infusion sets represent all of the basic materials (PVC with DEHP, PVC with TriOctyl-

TriMellitate (TOTM), and polyolefins) that comprise infusion sets with inline filters.

All infusion sets contained a 0.2 um polyethersulfone filter.

REGN421 was physically stable when held for 24 hours at 5°C, held for 24 hours at 25°C (see Table 6), held for 1 hour at ambient temperature in the various infusion sets, and pumped through the infusion sets utilizing the various infusion pumps at a rate of either 25 mL/hr or 500 mL/hr. Precipitates were not detected by visual inspection or turbidity, the pH of the solution was stable, and there was no decrease in protein concentration as determined by RP-HPLC detected in any sample tested. The protein was also chemically stable. No increase in molecular weight species or charge variants were observed as determined by SE-HPLC and

CEX-HPLC, respectively, in this compatibility study.

Saline IV. REGN42 IV Infusion Set Total % Native % Main

Bag I (mg) REGN421 (SE-HPLC) Charge Form (mL) recovered (CEX-HPLC) a wed 100 8 Alaris PVC w/ 0.059 97.6 60.3

DEHP

GO 8 Baxter PVC w/ 0.060 97.3 61.8

TOTM

100 8 Hospira 0.061 97.4 61.3

Polyethylene lined

PVC ee } ee

Saline IV REGN42 IV Infusion Set Total % Native % Main

Bag 1 (mg) REGN421 ~~ (SE-HPLC) Charge Form (mL) recovered (CEX-HPLC) (mg/mL) es 100 160 Alaris Low Sorbing 1.40 98.1 59.8

Polyethylene lined

PVC

100 160 Baxter PVC w/ 1.51 97.5 60.3

DEHP

100 160 Hospira PVC w/ 1.41 97.7 59.9

TOTM

250 1920 Alaris 6.87 97.7 60.6

Polypropylene 250 1920 Baxter PVC w/ 6.85 97.9 60.4

TOTM

250 1920 Hospira PVC w/ 6.77 98.0 60.2

DEHP ; —

This data support the following conclusions: (a) REGN421 was stable following dilution of 4 mg of REGN421 in a 50 mL IV bag containing saline or dilution of 1920 mg of REGN421 in a 250 mL IV bag of saline. The saline containing IV bag of saline was composed of PVC containing DEHP. (b) Diluted REGN421 was stable following incubation in an IV bag for periods of up to 24 hours at 5°C or 24 hours at 25°C. (¢) Diluted REGN42 ican be administered using an infusion pump. (d) Diluted

REGN421 can be administered with an infusion set composed of either PVC containing DEHP, PVC containing TOTM, or polyolefin. (e) The use of an inline 0.2 wm polyethersulfone filter is compatible with REGN421. (f) Diluted REGN421 can be administered at a rate ranging from 25 mL/hr to 500 mL/hr.

EXAMPLE 9: MOLECULAR MASS DETERMINATION

Formulated REGN421 was characterized with respect to protein structure and activity. The predicted protein molecular weight of native REGN421 without glycosylation is approximately 146 kDa. Non-reducing SDS-PAGE was performed to confirm the molecular weight of the heterotetrameric molecule and to examine levels of high and low molecular weight protein forms that co-purified with the intact antibody. An alkylating reagent was adding during sample preparation to prevent disulfide shuffling and to minimize antibody degradation due to heating.

The observed molecular weight of the glycosylated antibody determined following electrophoresis and Coomassie staining was observed to be approximately 150 kDa.

The mass of REGN421 was also examined using SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Samples were reduced and heated prior to electrophoresis, and protein bands were detected by staining with Coomassie blue. REGN421 was detected as two main bands corresponding to the antibody heavy chain (approximately 50 kDa) ! and light chain (approximately 25 kDa).

Capillary electrophoresis-SDS (CE-SDS) was also employed to assess the mass of REGN421. CE-SDS is able to resolve reduced IgG polypeptide chains by size and allows for quantification of the heterogeneity and variants that may exist in REGN421 antibody. The percentage of non-glycosylated heavy chain is calculated from the ratio of corrected peak area of non-glycosylated heavy chain to the sum of the corrected peak areas corresponding to non-glycosylated and glycosylated heavy chains. Two principal peaks were observed in the CE-SDS reducing electropherograms for REGN421 antibody. The two principal peaks for drug substance lots align with two principal peaks identified as the reduced light (LC) and glycosylated heavy (HC) chains in the IgG control standard. The molecular weights of peaks labeled HC and LC for REGN421 and the IgG control standard are approximately 60 kDa and 25 kDa. respectively. The molecular weights of the heavy and light chains determined by this method are slighter greater than expected for human 1gG1, suggesting that this technique may slightly overestimate the molecular weights of the heavy and light chains. The relative abundance of the non-

glycosylated heavy chain (NGHC) form of the tested lots of REGN421 represent approximately 1.5% of the total peak area detected.

EXAMPLE 10: FUCOSYLATION ANALYSIS

REGN421 drug substance lots were treated with PNGase F to release N-linked oligosaccharides from the antibody heavy chain. Free oligosaccharides were subsequently derivatized at the reducing end with the fluorescent reagent, anthranilic acid. Modified oligosaccharides were analyzed by reverse phase HPLC and

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Examination of the HPLC chromatogram revealed that the modified oligosaccharides were separated into two main groups, non-fucosylated bi-antennary species and fucosylated bi-antennary species. Within each group (fucosylated vs non-fucosylated), the oligosaccharides were further separated into digalactosyl (G2), monogalactosyl (G1) or agalactosyl (GO) forms.

Oligosaccharide structure assignments were achieved through the mass analysis of each fractionated oligosaccharide using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. *~ REGN421 lots that were analyzed contained between 82.4 and 87.0% (84.6% + 1.47%; av + SD) of fucosylated oligosaccharide chains (Table 7), based on the . integration of corresponding peaks in the chromatograms. Mass analysis of pooled oligosaccharides demonstrated that fucosylated bi-antennary oligosaccharides are the dominant species, which agrees with the HPLC analysis. The observed difference in the amount of galactosylation within the N-linked sugar chains between various tested lots of REGN421 reflects the heterogeneity that can occur during antibody production.

Table 7: REGN421 Glycosylation Patterns

REGN421 Lots

Glycan

Lot | Lot | Lot | Lot | Lot Glycan Formulae { Form

Cr 2 3 4s te | | i ! i iG I = | 69 | 7.11 7.9 | 52 | 3.8 | (GlcNAc) (Man)y(GIeNAc): 2 | (%) =. c Gl : = 33 1 39 431 3.9 | 3.7 (GlcNAC)(Man);(GleNAe)x(Gal),

Px 1 (% | i i : 3! boo

ZG [09] 08] 10 | 18 21 | (CleNAe):(Man)(GleNAek(Gal:

LL | | ol

« +

REGN421 Lots

Glycan

Lot | Lot [Lot | Lot | Lot Glycan Formulae

Form i ola 3 Jas (70)

Man-5 45 | 3.5 | 40 | 46 | 3.6 | (GlcNAc): (Man)s (%)

GOF

L

= | GIF = 37.1 137.3] 36.0 40.7 45.0 Fuc(GleNAc),(Man)s(GleNAc): (Gal) sg 1) = [G2F %) 104 | 1031109} 14.3 16.7 Fuc(GleNAc),(Man);(GleNAc):(Gal),

Yo i % 84.3 | 84.8 82.8 |84.41869

Fucosylation

EXAMPLE 11: HEAVY CHAIN C-TERMINAL LYSINE ANALYSIS

Peptide mapping was used to confirm the C-terminal sequence of REGN421.

REGN421 was denatured in 6.0 M urea, 100 mM Tris, pH 7.5, reduced with 5 mM

DTT and alkylated with 12.5 mM iodoacetamide. The protein was then diluted 6- fold to bring the urea concentration down to 1.0 M, and subsequently digested with trypsin (1:20 enzyme to substrate ratio) at 37°C for three hours. Peptides were separated by HPLC and analyzed by mass spectroscopy. As standards for identification of the native C-terminal peptide from REGN421, three synthetic peptides corresponding to the three most likely putative C-terminal peptide sequences (SLSLSP, SLSLSPG. and SLSLSPGK; respectively SEQ ID NO: 10,

SEQ ID NO: 11, and SEQ ID NO: 12) were generated and analyzed by HPLC using an identical solvent elution gradient compared to the gradient used to elute the

REGN421 trypsin digested peptides to facilitate the identification of the actual C-

I5 terminal peptide in the tryptic map of REGN421. The expected trypsin derived C- terminal peptide of SLSLSPGK (SEQ 1D NO:12) was not found in the tryptic maps of any of the tested REGN421 lots, indicating that the C-terminal Lys was removed.

In the tryptic map. there is only one peptide (elution at 46.60 min) that co-eluted

)

4 with one of the synthetic peptides (SLSLSPG: SEQ ID NO:11). This peptide corresponds to the C-terminal peptide of REGN421 heavy chain through mass analysis (expected mass 659.69, observed mass 660.2). The results suggest that post- translational processing leads to complete removal of the expected Lys from the heavy chain C-terminus.

SEQUENCE LISTING 0 tL — <110> WALSH, Scott IE so

DIX, Daniel Vo <120> stabilized Formulations Containing Anti-D114 Antibodies <130> 7400p <160> 12 <170> FastSEQ for windows version 4.0 <210> 1 <211> 123 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 1

Gln val GIn Leu val Glu Ser Gly Gly su val val Gln Pro Sly Arg 1 5

Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser ser Tyr 20 25

Gly Met His Trp val Arg Gin Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp val 35 40

Ser Phe Leu Trp Tyr Asp Gly Thr Asn Lys Asn yr val Glu ser val 50 55

Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Met Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80

Leu Glu Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu ASP Thr Ala val Tyr xr Cys 85

Ala Arg Asp His Asp Phe Arg Ser Gly Tyr Glu Gly Trp Phe Asp Pro 100 105 110

Trp Gly GIn Gly Thr Leu val Thr val Ser Ser 115 120 <210> 2 <211> 8 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 2

Gly Phe Thr Phe ser Ser Tyr Gly 1 5 <210> 3 <211> 8 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 3

Leu Trp Tyr Asp Gly Thr Asn Lys

Page 1

<210> 4 <211> 16 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 4

Ala Arg Asp His Asp Phe Arg Ser Gly Tyr Glu Gly Trp Phe Asp Pro 1 5 10 15 <210> 5 <211> 107 <212> PRT ! <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 5

Glu Ile val Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro Ala Thr Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly 1 5 1

Glu Arg Ala Thr Leu Ser Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Ser val ser Ser Tyr

Leu Ala Trp Tyr GIn Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ala Pro AL Leu Leu Ile 40

Tyr Asp Ala Ser Asn Arg ala Thr Gly Ile Pro AS Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 5

Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Glu Pro 65 70 75 80

Glu Asp Phe Ala val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln His Arg Ser Asn Trp pro Pro 85

Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys val Glu Ile Lys 100 105 <210> 6 <211> 6 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> synthetic <400> 6

Gln Ser val Ser ser Tyr 1 5 <210> 7 <211> 3 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> synthetic <400> 7

Asp Ala Ser 1 <210> 8 <211> 9

Page 2

<212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 8

Gln His Arg Ser Asn Trp Pro Pro Thr <210> 9 <211> 685 <212> PRT <213> Homo sapiens <400> 9

Met Ala Ala Ala Ser Arg Ser Ala Ser Sly Trp Ala Leu Leu Leu Leu 5 val Ala Leu op Gln Gln Arg Ala Ala Gly Ser Gly val Phe Gln Leu 0 25

Gln Leu Sin Glu Phe Ile Asn Glu Arg Gly val Leu Ala Ser Gly Arg 5 40 4

Pro Sys Glu Pro Gly Cys Arg Thr Phe Phe Arg val Cys Leu Lys His 55

Phe GIn Ala val val Ser Pro Gly Pro Cys Thr Phe Gly Thr val Ser 65 70 75 80

Thr Pro val Leu Gly Thr Asn Ser Phe Ala val Arg Asp Asp Ser ser 85 90

Gly Gly Gly Arg Asn Pro Leu Gln Leu Pro Phe Asn Phe Thr Trp Pro 100 105 110

Gly Thr Phe Ser Leu Ile Ile Glu Ala Trp His Ala Pro Gly Asp Asp 115 120 125

Leu Arg Pro Glu Ala Leu Pro Pro Asp Ala Leu Ile Ser Lys Ile Ala 130 135 140

Ile Gln Gly Ser Leu Ala val Gly Gln Asn Trp Leu Leu Asp Glu Gln 145 150 155 160

Thr ser Thr Leu Thr Arg Leu Arg Tyr Ser Tyr Arg val Ile Cys Ser 165 170 175

Asp Asn Tyr Tyr Gly Asp Asn Cys Ser Arg Leu Cys Lys Lys Arg Asn 180 185 190

Asp His Phe Gly His Tyr val Cys Gln Pro Asp Gly Asn Leu Ser Cys 195 200 205

Leu Pro Gly Trp Thr Gly Glu Tyr Cys Gln Gln Pro Ile Cys Leu Ser 210 215 220

Gly Cys His Glu GIn Asn Gly Tyr Cys Ser Lys Pro Ala Glu Cys Leu 225 230 235 240

Cys Arg Pro Gly Trp GIn Gly Arg Leu Cys Ash Glu Cys Ile Pro His 245 250 255

Asn Gly Cys Arg His Gly Thr Cys Ser Thr Pro Trp Gln Cys Thr Cys 260 265 270

Asp Glu Gly Trp Gly Gly Leu Phe Cys Asp Gln Asp Leu Ash Tyr Cys 275 280 285

Thr His His Ser Pro Cys Lys Asn Gly Ala Thr Cys Ser Asn Ser Gly 290 295 300

Gln Arg Ser Tyr Thr Cys Thr cys Arg Pro Gly Tyr Thr Gly val Asp 305 310 315 320

Cys Glu Leu Glu Leu Ser Glu Cys Asp Ser Asn Pro Cys Arg Asn Gly 325 330 335

Gly Ser Cys Lys Asp GIn Glu Asp Gly Tyr His Cys Leu Cys Pro Pro 340 345 350

Gly Tyr Tyr Gly Leu His Cys Glu His Ser Thr Leu Ser Cys Ala Asp 355 360 365

Ser Pro Cys Phe Asn Gly Gly Ser Cys Arg Glu Arg Asn Gln Gly Ala

Pro Cys Phe Asn Gly Gly Ser Cys Arg Glu Arg Asn Gln Gly Ala

Page 3

370 375 380

Asn Tyr Ala Cys Glu Cys Pro Pro Asn Phe Thr Gly Ser Asn Cys Glu 385 390 395 400

Lys Lys val Asp Arg Cys Thr Ser Asn Pro Cys Ala Asn Gly Gly Gln 405 410 415

Cys Leu Asn Arg Gly Pro Ser Arg Met Cys Arg Cys Arg Pro Gly Phe 420 425 430

Thr Gly Thr Tyr Cys Glu Leu His val Ser Asp Cys Ala Arg Asn Pro 435 440 445

Cys Ala His Gly Gly Thr Cys His Asp Leu Glu Ash Gly Leu Met Cys 450 455 460

Thr Cys Pro Ala Gly Phe Ser Gly Arg Arg Cys Glu val Arg Thr Ser 465 470 475 480

Ile Asp Ala Cys Ala Ser Ser Pro Cys Phe Asn Arg Ala Thr Cys Tyr 485 490 495

Thr Asp Leu Ser Thr Asp Thr Phe val Cys Asn Cys Pro Tyr Gly Phe 500 505 510 val Gly Ser Arg Cys Glu Phe Pro val Gly Leu Pro Pro Ser Phe Pro 515 520 525

Trp val Ala val Ser Leu Gly val Gly Leu Ala val Leu Leu Val Leu 530 535 540

Leu Gly Met val Ala val Ala val Arg Gln Leu Arg Leu Arg Arg Pro 545 550 555 560

Asp Asp Gly Ser Arg Glu Ala Met Asn Ash Leu Ser Asp Phe Gln Lys 565 570 575

Asp Asn Leu Ile Pro Ala Ala GIn Leu Lys Asn Thr Asn Gln Lys Lys 580 585 590

Glu Leu Glu val Asp Cys Gly Leu Asp Lys Ser Asn Cys Gly Lys Gln 595 600 605

Gln Asn His Thr Leu Asp Tyr Asn Leu Ala Pro Gly Pro Leu Gly Arg 610 615 620

Gly Thr Met Pro Gly Lys Phe Pro His Ser Asp Lys Ser Leu Gly Glu 625 630 635 640

Lys Ala Pro Leu Arg Leu His Ser Glu Lys Pro Glu Cys Arg Ile Ser 645 650 655

Ala Ile Cys Ser Pro Arg Asp Ser Met Tyr Gln Ser val Cys Leu Ile 660 665 670

Ser Glu Glu Arg Asn Glu Cys val Ile Ala Thr Glu val 675 680 685 <210> 10 <211> 6 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 10 ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro 1 5 <210> 11 <211> 7 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> synthetic <400> 11 ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly

Page 4

<210> 12 <211> 8 <212> PRT <213> Artificial Sequence <220> <223> Synthetic <400> 12 ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 1 5

Page 5

Claims

CLAIMS Ad ~C pu.

1. A pharmaceutical formulation consisting of Bd “Zz (a) 25 mg/mL 3.75 mg/mL of a human IgGlanti-DIl4 antibody, (b) 10 mM + 3 mM phosphate, pH 6 + 0.5 (c) 0.2% * 0.03% polysorbate 20, (d) 150 mM + 22.5 mM sodium chloride, and (e) 10% =* 1.5% sucrose, wherein (i) the antibody comprises an HCVD of SEQ ID NO: 1 and an LCVD of SEQ ID NO: 5; (ii) the antibody a molecular weight of about 150 kDa; and (ili) about 82% to about 87% of the antibodies are fucosylated.

2. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, wherein at least 94% of the antibody has native conformation after 28 days of storage at 45°C.

3. The pharmaceutical formulation ofclaim 1,wherein at least 45% of the antibody is the main charge form of the antibody after 28 days of storage at 45°C.

4. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 97% of the antibody has native conformation after 28 days of storage at 25°C.

5. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 57% of the antibody is the main charge form of the antibody after 28 days of storage at 25°C.

6. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 97% of the antibody has native conformation after 28 days of storage at 37°C.

7. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, wherein at least 51% of the antibody is the main charge form of the antibody after 28 days of storage at 37°C.

8. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 98% of the antibody has native conformation after six months of storage at 5°C.

9. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 61% of the antibody is the main charge form of the antibody after six months of storage at 5°C.

10. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein the percent relative potency of the antibody after six months of storage at 5°C is about 100% of the potency of the antibody prior to storage.

11. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, wherein at least 99% of the antibody has native conformation after six months of storage at -80°C.

12. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 57% of the antibody is the main charge form of the antibody after six months of storage at -80°C.

13. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein the percent relative potency of the antibody after six months of storage at -80°C is about 100% of the potency of the antibody prior to storage.

14. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 99% of the antibody has native conformation after six months of storage at -30°C.

15. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, wherein at least 57% of the antibody is the main charge variant of the antibody after six months of storage at -30°C.

16. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein the percent relative potency of the antibody after six months of storage at -30°C is at least 65% of the potency of the antibody prior to storage.

17. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, wherein at least 98% of the antibody has native conformation after six months of storage at -20°C.

18. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein at least 60% of the antibody is the main charge variant of the antibody after six months of storage at -20°C.

19. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1,wherein the percent relative potency of the antibody after six months of storage at -20°C is about 100% of the potency of the antibody prior to storage.

20. A pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, wherein said formulationis contained in a container.

21. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 20, wherein the container is a vial.

22. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 21, wherein the vial is glass.

23. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 20, wherein the container is an IV drip bag.

24. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 23, wherein the bag is made of polyvinyl chloride.

25. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 23, wherein the bag is made of polyolefin.

26. A kit comprising a pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, a container, and instructions.

27. The kit of claim 26, wherein the container is a glass vial fitted with a fluorocarbon- coated 4023/50 rubber stopper.

28. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 1, for use in the manufacture of a medicament to treat an disease or disorder associated with D114 activity.

29. The pharmaceutical formulation of claim 28, wherein the disease or disorder associated with DIl4 activity is aberrant angiogenesis.